The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
The gut microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, plays a pivotal role in maintaining health through digestion, immune regulation, and homeostasis. Emerging evidence links gut microbiome dysbiosis—a disruption in its composition and function—to the development and progression of various cancers, particularly within the GI tract. This review explores the multifaceted relationship between the gut microbiome and carcinogenesis, highlighting key microbial mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, production of carcinogenic metabolites, and immune modulation. Specific pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori are implicated in colorectal, gastric, and esophageal cancers, respectively, through pathways that promote tumor initiation and progression.
Diagnostic advances, including microbial biomarkers and non-invasive stooland breath-based tests, offer significant promise for early detection. Therapeutically, interventions targeting the microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary modifications, have demonstrated potential in restoring microbial balance, enhancing immune responses, and improving treatment efficacy. However, challenges persist in distinguishing causation from correlation and standardizing methodologies. It can be noted that future research must prioritize longitudinal studies, personalized microbiome-based therapies, and exploration of microbial metabolites to fully leverage the gut microbiome in cancer prevention and treatment. This research has provided critical insights that underscore the transformative potential of microbiome when it comes to advancing precision oncology and reducing cancer burden.
Recommended Citation
Daphne Grabie. (2025). Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Its Contribution to Carcinogenesis. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 18(2), 121-126. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol18/iss2/16
